Reflections

In late August after the AMAC Annual Conference in Seattle, my wife and I decided to explore the beautiful Northwest by visiting nearby Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island. It’s quite impressive! 

While I knew about Victoria International Airport (YYJ) a few miles north of the city, I was surprised to learn that travelers have a second local option. Yup, it’s called Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (YWH) and it provides scheduled service using a showcase fleet of single and twin turbine DeHavilland Otters and Beaver seaplanes. 

We discovered Victoria’s other airport when our kayak tour of the harbor had to hold up to avoid crossing the waterway/runway while a seaplane took off. As we waited, our tour guide explained how choppy water, floating FOD, unauthorized runway access by watercraft and lack of lighting affect flight operations. Hmm, not your typical runway challenges. 

This October’s Runway & Ramp Special Edition includes a wide collection of articles about more mainstream airfield topics: runway reconstruction, markings, friction testing, noise control, wildlife management and much more. Maybe we’ll cover a water runway in next year’s edition!

Before I sign off, I want to say “Happy Retirement” and “Best Wishes” to a good friend and mentor. Steve Karlin, senior vice president and general manager of M-B Companies, recently retired from a distinguished career in the airport runway equipment business. Yes, his company advertises in Airport Improvement, but Steve also provided us with story ideas, industry information and perspectives that went far beyond M-B products. He was a true student of the industry. 

Thank you, Steve. You and your many contributions will be missed!